Distinguished disabled veterans now have their own specialty military license plates

Have you ever stopped in a line of traffic, looked at the car in front of you and noticed a military license plate displaying the Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star or similar distinction? Living in the Colorado Springs area, I often see former military members displaying their distinctions and every time I am awestruck by the courage and heroism that the unfamiliar driver in front of me must have exhibited to receive such a tremendous honor. As a former Army sergeant, I know many military service members who demonstrated unwavering courage in the face of danger. Prior to the last legislative session, a Vietnam veteran who lost both of his legs in combat brought to my attention that while he was eligible for the Purple Heart license plate, he needed the standard disabled veteran plate to accommodate his physical limitations. Colorado has a disabled veteran plate, but any distinction beyond that was not
available – I am pleased to say that is no longer the case.

In response to that veteran and many other disabled veterans who are in similar situations, I introduced House Bill 1026, which officially went into effect on August 5th. This new law directs the Division of Motor Vehicles to incorporate the person-with-disabilities (PWD) emblem on the existing 36 military distinction plates available to Colorado drivers. Today, a disabled recipient of any of the 36 military distinctions can simply request an honorary license plate with the PWD emblem.

I am proud Colorado provides our veterans these unique license plate options. Earning a Bronze Star, Purple Heart or Medal of Honor is a distinction of immense honor and now a physical disability will not prevent our decorated heroes from publically displaying such recognition.

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